Mother's Day! 2012

To those who are expecting
To those who have given birth
To those who struggle with infertility
To those who are foster moms
To those who are spiritual mothers
To those who have experienced the miracle of adoption
To those who have suffered the incomprehensible loss of a child
To those who have lost their own mothers

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Thank you to my mother-in-law who helped shape my husband into the man he is today, and for loving me and our children.

Thank you to two very special women who I have yet to meet (but hope to one day); Bethany's birth mom, who selflessly chose life for my precious girl, and Bethany's foster mom, who lovingly cared for her when I was half a world away.

Thank you to my mom for showing me what it means to be a mother. My mom is an amazing woman and I have always admired her strength, loyalty, courage, wisdom, creativity and sense of humor. She has lived a life of continued sacrifice for those she loves, and has unconditionally given of herself without ever asking for anything in return. Not only is she an amazing mom, but she is also just as amazing a mother-in-law and grandmother. Just ask my husband and kids! I am so fortunate to have her be a regular part of my family's life, and I can only hope to follow in her footsteps as I strive to be a better mom to my children.

I love you mom!

Oxnard - July 4, 1979

Mother's Day is not only a time to give thanks and recognize all the different moms, but it is also a day that reminds me of what a great privilege it is to be a mom, and the great responsibility that goes along with it. I thank God for entrusting me with my children, and for using them to stretch me and humble me in ways that would not otherwise be possible. Thank you God for drawing me closer to You as I seek to grow and mature as a mom.

And finally, thank you to my two precious kiddos for being patient with me, and for forgiving me when the flesh gets the better of me. Thank you Austin and Bethany for giving me the most treasured, exciting, fun, and blessed gift I could ask for, the gift of being your mom. It is my pure joy to be your mom, and my heart overflows with love and thankfulness for you both.

Thank you to my family for a very special Mother's Day weekend!

Three Moms

As I think about my mom on Mother's Day, I can't help but smile. Aside from my husband, she is my most trusted friend and supporter. As with any relationship, we have our ups and downs. But watch us pigging out on junk food or catching up on the phone, and there will be no doubt.... we are like two peas in a pod. I am my mother's daughter. :)
 

Even now, at 65 years "young", she continues to amaze me with her strength of character, perseverance, many talents and her sense of humor. I admire and respect so many things about her and can only hope to love as unconditionally and as sacrificially as she does.

I could write an entire book on why I think my mom is so wonderful but you'll just have to take my word for it - she is an amazing woman (grandmother and mother-in-law too!) and I thank God for the privilege of being her daughter.

I love you mom!

Disneyland

On this Mother's Day I am also thinking of another mother - one whom I've never met, one whom I will most likely never cross paths with, but one who has given me one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I'm filled with mixed emotions as I remember Bethany's birth mom and the sacrifices she made in order to do what she thought was best for her child. Whereever she is right now, I hope she knows without a doubt how truly grateful and happy I am to be Bethany's mother.

Thank you.

And to my two precious kiddos, you make me feel like the luckiest mom in the world.

I love you both so much!

s

And a big thank you to Austin (i know you'll read this) for a very special Mother's Day gift. 

Austin sawed, sanded and decorated this piece of wood. He used an old-fashioned hand drill to drill two holes for the impressive flower pens which he also made. Kudos to his teacher who supervised the making of 24 of these.